Martin Brundle Suggests Azerbaijan GP 'Scattered' Oscar Piastri's Championship Focus

Oscar Piastri's recent dip in performance, particularly since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, has caught the attention of Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle, who suggests the chaotic Baku weekend may have 'scattered his brain' in the intense championship battle with McLaren teammate Lando Norris.

Why it matters:

Piastri's rookie season has been impressive, quickly establishing himself as a strong contender. However, a significant drop in form could be detrimental in a tightly contested championship, not just for his individual standing but also for McLaren's constructor ambitions. Understanding the psychological or technical factors behind this dip is crucial for both the driver and the team.

The Details:

• Baku's Impact: Brundle specifically pointed to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as a turning point. Piastri crashed in qualifying, leading to a P9 start, then made a jump start in the race before crashing again at Turn 5 on the opening lap.
• Post-Baku Performance: Since Baku, Piastri has not secured a podium finish, achieving fourth in Singapore and fifth in both Austin and Mexico. In Mexico, Norris overtook him in the championship standings, now leading by a single point.
• Team Support: Brundle believes McLaren is thoroughly investigating all technical aspects of Piastri's car – chassis, aerodynamics, fit, and setup – to rule out any equipment issues.
• Team Neutrality: Brundle emphasized that McLaren is likely indifferent to which of their drivers wins the championship, as long as a McLaren driver triumphs over rivals like Max Verstappen. This suggests no internal bias affecting Piastri's recent struggles.
• Psychological Factor: "Something's happened in Oscar's head," Brundle remarked, indicating a potential mental or psychological component to Piastri's recent performance dip.

The Big Picture:

While Piastri's performance has waned, championship rival Max Verstappen has seen a surge post-summer break, winning three of the last five Grands Prix (Italy, Azerbaijan, USA) and securing strong finishes in Singapore and Mexico. This stark contrast highlights the importance of maintaining peak form in the latter half of the season, especially as Verstappen closes the gap to the championship leader to just 36 points. For Piastri, regaining his early-season momentum is vital to stay in contention against both his teammate and the broader field.

What's next:

The focus will be on Piastri's performance in upcoming races, particularly the Brazilian Grand Prix. McLaren will be keen to understand and address any underlying issues, whether technical or psychological, to ensure both drivers are performing at their best as the championship battle intensifies.